Next Course of Action--Low GPA?

[Algophiliac]

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Due to numerous factors in the past, my cGPA would be approximately ~3.2 (and that's a good estimate) at the time I would be required to apply to med school.

I have not yet taken the MCAT, but I'm not sure that even a very high MCAT (36+) could offbalance that low of a GPA.

What is my best plan? I realize a gap year would be necessary, and that I would need to take those extra classes for senior year to graduate with a GPA of ~3.3-3.4, but even after graduation, my GPA is ridiculously low. Suggestions?

Additionally, what should I do during that gap year? Retake courses? Take additional courses as a super senior? This is most likely not financially feasible for me.

Also, how do you afford post-bac programs? I would prefer to not get into debt or take out any additional loans (other than undergrad loans) prior to accepting a medical school position...for obvious reasons, that starts to add up dangerously quickly. Are these even a good idea for me, considering my low GPA scores?

It seems like my best option financially might be to attain a job in a medically-related field for my gap year, to save money, pay off past debts from undergrad, and etc. But I have no idea what to do about the GPA...

 

[rexxx]

are you set on MD?
if not, you could retake any classes you did particularly badly in and try for DO. they replace grades for retakes.. so it might raise your GPA more effectively than just taking MORE classes to be averaged in for MD.

other than that, i recommend just trying to make nothing but As here on out. including in your extra year.

 

[Kaustikos]

Due to numerous factors in the past, my cGPA would be approximately ~3.2 (and that's a good estimate) at the time I would be required to apply to med school.

I have not yet taken the MCAT, but I'm not sure that even a very high MCAT (36+) could offbalance that low of a GPA.

What is my best plan? I realize a gap year would be necessary, and that I would need to take those extra classes for senior year to graduate with a GPA of ~3.3-3.4, but even after graduation, my GPA is ridiculously low. Suggestions?

Additionally, what should I do during that gap year? Retake courses? Take additional courses as a super senior? This is most likely not financially feasible for me.

Also, how do you afford post-bac programs? I would prefer to not get into debt or take out any additional loans (other than undergrad loans) prior to accepting a medical school position...for obvious reasons, that starts to add up dangerously quickly. Are these even a good idea for me, considering my low GPA scores?

It seems like my best option financially might be to attain a job in a medically-related field for my gap year, to save money, pay off past debts from undergrad, and etc. But I have no idea what to do about the GPA...

This right here? It shows your gray line commitment to this thing. Don't just get some job in a medically related field with a BS. You won't find anything that'll be fulfilling longterm. If anything, either do an SMP and suck it up (take out loans) OR get a masters in a meaningful major. Don't just get a job. It doesn't help when you have a low gpa.

I don't understand this "financially feasible" thing. If you want to become a doctor, you'll figure out anyway to do it. Do you REALLY wanna be thinking "man, I could've been a doctor but I decided not to do an SMP that I could've done great at because I didn't want to take out loans to pursue the dream. In the end, you've put yourself in this position (however you did it - and I don't mean it in a bad way) and you have to figure out what risks you're willing to take. Numerous people on here/elsewhere take the gamble and do an SMP. The question is - do you have what it takes? Are you willing to risk it? Worse case? You have a masters which is actually more beneficial than a bachelors.

 

[Algophiliac]

are you set on MD?
if not, you could retake any classes you did particularly badly in and try for DO. they replace grades for retakes.. so it might raise your GPA more effectively than just taking MORE classes to be averaged in for MD.

other than that, i recommend just trying to make nothing but As here on out. including in your extra year.

I would definitely consider DO schools, but I think MD would have to be my first choice--and if it is any way possible, I wish to get into an MD school. My reasoning is that I am looking into specialties such as neurology, neurosurgery (yes, yes, I know), radiology, pathology, and etc, as well as into heavy research (but not PhD combined programs). To my knowledge, this may be lacking in DO schools.

My school divides A-/A grades, and this takes a heavy toll against my grade point average--but even with this, I am not likely to graduate with higher than a 3.4.

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

I would definitely consider DO schools, but I think MD would have to be my first choice--and if it is any way possible, I wish to get into an MD school. My reasoning is that I am looking into specialties such as neurology, neurosurgery (yes, yes, I know), radiology, pathology, and etc, as well as into heavy research (but not PhD combined programs). To my knowledge, this may be lacking in DO schools.

My school divides A-/A grades, and this takes a heavy toll against my grade point average--but even with this, I am not likely to graduate with higher than a 3.4.

I'm sure that DO schools have research opportunities. Whether or not they are abundant I cannot say. Check out the DO forum to get some informed answers. I would definitely consider that route though.

I feel your pain with the A/A- split. I've had quite a few 93% in neuroscience classes (and one orgo) that would've helped my BCPM GPA, but most of the classes cut off at 94%. Continue working your hardest, and if you can get it at 3.4 and a 33+ MCAT you will stand a decent chance providing you're well rounded. Success in an SMP combined with a 32+ MCAT would probably give you a very good chance. Good luck.

 

[Algophiliac]

I'm sure that DO schools have research opportunities. Whether or not they are abundant I cannot say. Check out the DO forum to get some informed answers. I would definitely consider that route though.

I feel your pain with the A/A- split. I've had quite a few 93% in neuroscience classes (and one orgo) that would've helped my BCPM GPA, but most of the classes cut off at 94%. Continue working your hardest, and if you can get it at 3.4 and a 33+ MCAT you will stand a decent chance providing you're well rounded. Success in an SMP combined with a 32+ MCAT would probably give you a very good chance. Good luck.

Thank you, and I will definitely do so--and look up individual schools.

When would you recommend I study for and take the MCAT? My worry is that it will expire--requiring a retake. Perhaps waiting until later (senior year?) would be best. Or maybe it would be ideal to plan for it earlier, since I may potentially need an SMP?

 

[NickNaylor]

Most MCAT scores are valid for 2-3 years depending on the school. I would take it some time during the year before you're planning on applying.